Webinar added! New Coalition guide: how to turn EU energy efficiency policies into action on the ground

(eceee news, 14 Dec 2018) As Member States must submit their draft national targets by the end of 2018, the Coalition for Energy Savings presented its first set of high-level recommendations on implementing the EU’s new Energy Efficiency Directive. (This is an updated version of the original version published 11 Dec).

Last week the Council of the EU approved several key elements of the EU’s energy efficiency legal framework, including revisions to the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the adoption of the Governance of the Energy Union Regulation (GOV).

By the end of 2018, all EU governments are required to submit their draft national energy and climate plans, including their national 2030 energy efficiency targets.

The Governance Regulation outlines how Member States will set out their contribution and plans on how to achieve the EED target (of at least 32.5% by 2030) under a new process.

“Energy efficiency policies remain a very attractive proposition for Member States seeking to create new local jobs and improve people’s lives while enabling the transition to a decarbonised energy system,” says Stefan Scheuer, Secretary General of the Coalition for Energy Savings.

“The setting of the national targets for 2030 will be the first reality check. Targets will need to be followed by robust and concrete policies – to step up the energy renovation of the EU’s inefficient building stock, replace inefficient products and boost transport efficiency”, added Stefan Scheuer.

By the end of 2019, Member States will have finalised their integrated national energy and climate plans (NECPs). It will provide a comprehensive picture of national targets and policies for climate and energy for the first time. Fast-tracking efficiency in these NECPs will lead to huge benefits for all Europeans, argues the Coalition for Energy Savings.

The report presents five recommendations aiming to turn EU energy efficiency policies into action on the ground by:

Setting a meaningful direction with national energy efficiency targets;

Providing a clear plan for energy efficiency measures;

Putting in place good infrastructure planning for supporting the transition;

Closing the energy savings investment gap; and

Consulting stakeholders about investments that matter.

The Coalition for Energy Savings calls for a dialogue between implementing authorities and stakeholders on how to maximise the benefits of the energy transition for citizens and businesses.